Surat Airport’s Delayed Runway Safety Project Sparks Aviation Concerns

Surat, Gujarat : Surat Airport, one of Gujarat’s fastest-growing aviation hubs, is at the center of a brewing crisis. Frequent fliers and airport activists have submitted a formal representation to Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, demanding urgent action on the long-overdue Runway Basic Strip Strengthening project. The delay, despite a work order being issued, poses a serious safety risk to aircraft operations and threatens compliance with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards.

The project was sanctioned to enhance the stability and strength of the runway strip, ensuring that in the event of an aircraft veering off the main runway, the damage is minimized. However, the unjustifiable delay in execution has left Surat Airport vulnerable to potential accidents and disruptions in airline operations.

Decade-Long Delay Raises Safety Concerns

Initially planned during the 2016-17 runway expansion, the runway strip strengthening project was officially sanctioned with a work order issued on September 28, 2021, by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). Despite this, work remains incomplete, leaving the airport in violation of ICAO-mandated safety standards.

A key requirement of the project is achieving a California Bearing Ratio (CBR) of 15 at a depth of 150mm, a measure that ensures the ground’s strength to support aircraft in case of an accidental excursion. Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology (SVNIT) Surat conducted a study confirming that soil stabilization is essential to meet this requirement, yet no substantial progress has been made.

A senior AAI official, speaking on condition of anonymity, warned that delays in execution could increase project costs by 30% due to escalating material prices. “Every passing month makes this project more expensive and more difficult to execute. Further delays will force flight suspensions and operational disruptions,” he stated.

Aviation Safety at Stake

Industry experts emphasize that runway strip strengthening is a non-negotiable safety measure. Without a reinforced strip, an aircraft overshooting or veering off the runway could suffer severe nose gear damage, leading to catastrophic consequences for passengers.

“Aviation safety cannot be compromised. The ICAO mandates strict compliance with runway strip stabilization, yet Surat Airport continues to lag,” said an aviation safety consultant. “In case of an accident, the consequences will be disastrous, and accountability will be questioned at the highest levels.”

Activists Demand Immediate Action

Airport activists argue that the delay not only puts passengers at risk but also affects Surat’s aviation growth and credibility. “Surat Airport has witnessed a tremendous rise in passenger traffic. However, infrastructure issues like this undermine confidence in the airport’s operations,” said a frequent flier who participated in the representation to the minister.

The representation submitted to Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu demands immediate intervention to push the AAI to complete the project without further delay. With Surat Airport already under scrutiny for non-compliance with ICAO-mandated safety upgrades, activists fear that failure to act now could lead to regulatory consequences and potential flight suspensions.